"This year is on a whole other level, said Colorado State University climatologist Dr. Russ Schumacher, speaking about the intense heat that began rapidly melting the already sparse snowpack in March. Seeing this year so far below any of the other years we have data for is very concerning."
"Measurements taken across the west during the week of 1 April are viewed as important indicators of the peak amounts of water that might melt into reservoirs, rivers and streams, and across thirsty landscapes through the summer."
"California's Sierra Nevada had just 4.9in of SWE, or 18% of average, as of Monday, ahead of the state's official 1 April survey, according to the state's department of water resources."
"In the Colorado River headwaters, an important basin that supplies more than 40 million people across several states, along with 5.5 million acres of agriculture, 30 tribal nations, and parts of Mexico, had just over 4in of SWE on Monday, or 24% of average."
Snow surveys across the American West reveal alarming record-low snowpack levels following a warm winter and high March temperatures. Experts indicate that the rapid melt-off has left key basins in unprecedented conditions for the upcoming dry seasons. Although there is potential for more snowfall, it is expected to be insufficient. Snowpacks serve as vital water reserves, and current measurements show significantly low snow water equivalent (SWE) levels, particularly in California's Sierra Nevada and the Colorado River headwaters, raising concerns about future water supply.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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